There is an opening for a Director of Ecosystem Analysis at Conservation International (CI). We are looking for a remote sensing specialist with seven or more years of experience in scientific research and/or managing conservation or research projects or initiatives. This person will be the the technical lead on a multi-institutional initiative to develop a multi-scale (landscape to national) land degradation index using a variety of optical satellite image sources. The position is based at CI headquarters in Arlington, VA.
For more details and to apply, see: http://chk.tbe.taleo.net/chk04/ats/careers/requisition.jsp?org=CONSERVATION&cws=1&rid=699 *We are reviewing applications on a rolling basis and need to hire quickly as the project is starting up in September.* Job description: The Ecosystem Analysis and Geomatics group within the Moore Center division of Conservation International conducts high impact innovative and applied research in support of habitat mapping and monitoring, near real-time decision support, spatial modeling, and cartographic presentation to contribute to Conservation International’s global efforts to promote healthy, sustainable societies. The group employs a range of remote sensing and GIS technologies and is seeking an Ecosystem Analysis Director to manage several activities including a multi-institution, multi-scale project to develop and implement a land degradation index in a range of national contexts. The successful candidate will also perform time-series based modeling and classification analyses, contribute to the evaluation and application of innovative habitat monitoring methods, provide technical guidance to climate change mitigation initiatives, including REDD+, and develop technical proposals in support of novel habitat monitoring approaches using remote sensing technologies. *RESPONSIBILITIES* - Manage a multi-institution geospatial analysis project developing a multi-scale (landscape to national) land degradation index using a variety of optical satellite image sources - Lead the development of web-based tools for applying land degradation index to meet national reporting requirements - Generate and apply methods for assessing and monitoring status and trends in land degradation, including drivers of deforestation, using a variety of data sources - Contribute to the evaluation and application of innovative habitat monitoring methods based on a variety of image sources - Perform modeling and classification analyses using time-series datasets (i.e. climate, satellite, and reanalysis data) for ecosystem modeling and climate variability research, including generating customized code, based on R and Python, for large volume data processing and analysis - Capacity building for expanding the use of the data, methods and tools to other countries and regions - Contribute written input and technical guidance to documents in support of climate change mitigation initiatives, such as REDD+ - Develop technical proposals related to forest and non-forest habitat monitoring using remote sensing, and ecosystem and spatial modeling - Manage highly visible, complex technical projects and/or partnerships within CI including meeting donor deadlines - Manage external partner relationships including development of capacity and generation of outputs to guide partners in making decisions. - Other duties as assigned by supervisor Working Conditions - Work is performed in a typical office environment. - Some travel – up to 25%, often in developing countries. - Flexibility in work schedule in order to accommodate time differences between the Headquarters office in Virginia, USA, and field offices located in multiple time zones *QUALIFICATIONS* *Required* - Advanced degree in environmental science, geography, conservation biology, economics, social sciences or related fields. - 7 or more years of experience in scientific research and/or managing conservation or research projects or initiatives. - Demonstrated scientific writing experience, including peer-reviewed publications - Proven ability in successfully interpreting and applying scientific information, data, models and developing creative solutions to achieve practical results. - Proven track record in project management design and implementation. - Team Management experience. - Proven team player able to work effectively across cultures and within and across organizations. - Excellent written and verbal communication skills. - Highly organized and strong attention to detail. - Demonstrated problem solving skills and ability to build on existing knowledge to develop new approaches. - Excellent analytical skills. - Proficient in statistical and/or GIS software systems and procedures, and skilled in using new software applications. *Preferred* - Proven technical expertise in habitat monitoring, land degradation methodologies and analyses, and ecosystem modeling using a range of remote sensing techniques, image sources, and GIS - Proven expert technical skills in programming, data processing, and statistical and geographical analysis. - Proven experience performing analyses on time-series datasets for ecosystem modeling and ability to process and analyze large volumes of data. - Proven track record in developing, directing, and managing scientific research projects, including mobilizing and investing resources strategically. Ability to motivate others in the absence of direct authority. - Skilled in using software systems (Erdas, Esri, R, GDAL, IDRISI), terminology, and procedures and in leveraging new applications. - Expert in Linux OS including ability to set up environments and generate customized code/models on external servers/cloud computing - Ability to work independently and with minimal guidance -- Alex Zvoleff Director, Data Science Vital Signs, Moore Center for Science and Oceans Conservation International <http://www.conservation.org>
